Microsoft Defies EU Commission

otahkgeek writes "Wired News is reporting that Microsoft claims that by removing Windows Media Player from Windows, it would be forced to ship a substandard version to European consumers. This is on the heels of a three-day hearing by a European commission to determine the validity of charges that Microsoft illegally abused its power over the home computer market."

Comments

O_o;;

[FortissimoWily]

Shipping a substandard OS to European customers?
How is this news? They've been doing that for years. ;)

Re:O_o;;

[Hes Nikke]

shouldn't that be "Shipping a substandard OS to non-European customers?"

yeah i know, it was too easy ;)

Re:O_o;;

[BrokenHalo]

And to whom have they been shipping the standard version?

Hmmmm

[the_other_one]

Will the substandard DRM free, anti American version be available in North America for purchase or will I have to pirate a copy.

Re:Hmmmm

[Fux the Penguin]

It may well be. It seems the DOJ may not be too happy with MS's media packaging, either. You woud have thought they would have learned by now.

Oh, wait, no, they wouldn't, since the last time the DOJ tried to smack MS upside their heads, MS bought off the government and went right on their merry way. My bad.

Re:Hmmmm

[the_other_one]

Maybe at least they will get another pat on the wrist.

Re:Hmmmm

[Moofie]

You mean "lick on their puckered asshole."

But yeah, more or less.

Discount

[wombatmobile]

I don't need a media player with the operating system, just an operating system. That's cheaper, right?

Re:Discount

[Anonymous Coward]

In my understanding of the Windows architecture, the "OS" resides on the boot sector. The rest of the install is a windowing system, a web browser, a media player, and a lot of glue to make everything hold together.

Re:Discount

[Brandybuck]

Not at all! That would imply that the OS is just the kernel. But as we all know, because RMS told us, the OS includes compilers, editors, sorting and searching utilities, and of course, a chess program.

Re:Discount

[Anonymous Coward]

You're right, but it doesn't matter. This is Slashdot, and he's just trying to be modded "Funny". That's really all that a lot of the posts here are about.

Err...

[rune.w]

Microsoft claims that by removing Windows Media Player from Windows, it would be forced to ship a substandard version to European consumers.

Is it me or I'm the only one who thinks this is an oxymoron?

R.

The old saying

[be-fan]

Like they say: A computer without Windows Media Player is like a dog without a brick tied to its head.

Re:Maybe they're emulating the President

[archen]

First of all, why would anyone need to replace any hardware?

Because they all have win-modems?

Re:As if this was a bad thing...

[Shakrai]

Untying WMP from Windows wouldn't result in PCs shipping with no media player installed -- it would just put the choice in the hands of OEMs, rather than Microsoft.

Yes, because I trust the OEMs to act in my best interest and Microsoft not to maniplate the process.

Little OEM guy scenario:

OEM: We have decided to bundle Netscape, AOLIM, and Realplayer instead of IE, MSNIM, and Media Player.
Microsoft: Oh. Well, in that case, let's reevaluate our pricing structure here... [tapping on calcuator], yes I think we can accommodate you [slides calucator across the table].
OEM: But that will destroy our profits!
Microsoft: So raise your prices.
OEM: Then we can't compete with the other guys!
Microsoft: Your breaking my heart here...

Big OEM guy scenario:

Peon: Sir, why don't we bundle Netscape and AOLIM instead of Microsoft products this year? Ya know, give our consumers a taste of something else?
CEO: Umm... but I don't golf with the AOL people. I golf with Mr. Gates and he assures me that his products are the best.
Peon: Ok sir, could we perhaps bundle both and offer our customers the choice?
CEO: Yes, yes, that's all well and good, but I have my tee time to worry about... besides, we have this established relationship with Microsoft, why should we rock the boat?
Peon: *sighing* Alright sir, I'll go tell 'em to bundle the Microsoft stuff again.
CEO: Good job.... and son?
Peon: Yes sir?
CEO: Good work.

Call me cynical....

Re:It's kind of pointless trying to persuade them

[Epistax]

What if as a state you decide to view Microsoft as a sovereign nation, then as a state, enact full trade sanctions?
It doesn't make any sense, then again nothing in politics has for quite some time.

Re:Shamefully, you can get such things now.

[TKinias]

scripsit AnyNoMouse:

Access to the work after it passes into the public domain.

Ah, there's the problem: Nothing will ever again enter the public domain in the United States. Nothing. Ever. Disney et al. will see to that.